President Trump, likely inspired by fellow autocrats like Putin, has decided to effectively take charge of the planning for this year's 4th of July celebrations. According to USA Today, his plans include a second stage, a change in where the annual fireworks are launched from and an address at the Lincoln Memorial.
This is not the first time Trump has proposed some self-aggrandizing event. He had wanted to do a military parade for Veteran's Day, but costs allegedly caused that event to be postponed. I wonder if the fear of disruptions like what happened at his inauguration may have led him to reconsider.
I also wonder if the threat of disruption may cause him to reconsider his plans for the 4th. I am sure the people who organized what became known as #J20 have much of the information and contacts available. Many of the local groups that travelled to DC may be somewhat intact as well.
The disruptions need not take place in DC itself. Local events could be staged, starting at the same time the events in DC begin and lasting 2-3 hours. These events could include service projects and/or information tables during the day and a concert in the evening.
Whether there be mass direct actions in DC or smaller local alternative concerts, there's a matter of getting everything planned and together. Mass action in DC would require housing, street medics, bail support, etc. Local events would require spaces to be reserved, acts to be committed and possibly groups to be contacted.
Trump has underestimated the various groups and individuals that make up what has come to be known as #theresistance before. Can July 4th be another case where #theresistance finds a way to respond?
